State Development, Jobs and Trade Minister Roger Cook has today reaffirmed the State's longstanding economic relationship with India during the India Connect 2021 event at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Attended virtually by the High Commissioner of India in Australia, His Excellency Mr Manpreet Vohra, the event builds on the strong foundations of Western Australia and India's existing investment and trade relationship and people-to-people links.
India Connect 2021 provided an important and timely platform for Western Australian and Indian industry and government partners to exchange ideas on new investment and trade opportunities that can support economic development and job creation in both jurisdictions.
The event was a fully hybrid format, welcoming both in-person and online attendees from India and from around Australia.
Four targeted sessions were held covering areas of strategic economic importance including energy, mining, primary industries, international education, tourism and advanced manufacturing.
Worth $1.92 billion in 2020, India is an important trading partner for Western Australia and the State's largest market for international students.
The nation presents significant opportunities for Western Australia across a wide range of sectors. In particular, India's commitment to clean energy technology, including electric vehicles, presents investment opportunities for Western Australian industry in key battery minerals.
India Connect 2021 was held in collaboration with the Consulate General of India in Perth, Australia India Business Council, Chamber of Commerce and Industry Western Australia, Perth USAsia Centre, Confederation of Indian Industry and the Indo-Australian Chamber of Commerce.
Strengthening ties with India is a key component of Western Australia's Asian Engagement Strategy 2019-2030: Our future with Asia.
As stated by State Development, Jobs and Trade Minister Roger Cook:
"It has been a privilege to partner with the Indian Government on this event and to welcome His Excellency Mr Manpreet Vohra to Western Australia, albeit virtually, at a time when India is celebrating its 75th year of independence.
"Through this important relationship, we have the potential to strengthen investment and trade opportunities with India across a wide range of sectors including mining and mining services, energy production and distribution, higher and vocational education and training, agriculture and fisheries systems.
"This work is critical to supporting Western Australia's economic development and diversification agenda.
"Western Australia's Indian community is also an important part of the culturally diverse fabric of our State, with over 49,000 people born in India residing in WA, and a further 79,800 claiming Indian heritage."
